Paraffin Moon Media

08/28/2026

Coming soon: Stairway to Heaven: Ha’ikū Stairs in Paradise. High above Oahu, a World War II naval radio landmark faces an uncertain future. Caught between preservationists fighting to save its history and officials demanding demolition over trespassing, this compelling documentary uncovers the intense battle surrounding Hawaii’s iconic forbidden climb.

08/07/2026

After years of waiting, I am extremely pleased to announce that PBS Hawaii has expressed a willingness to air my first feature-length documentary about the Haiku Stairs in Hawaii.

I will need to make a few minor edits, complete a legal review, and secure Errors & Omissions insurance, but I am beyond grateful that the project is moving in a positive direction. Fingers crossed that I can get this film across the finish line!

More importantly, this is a great story that deserves a wider audience.

Wish me luck! Let’s do this!!

05/16/2026

Invention isn’t just about a single "eureka" moment—it’s about the tools, traits, and persistence required to turn a breakthrough idea into a reality that shapes the world. 💡

Whether it's inside a backyard garage, a software office, or a high-tech laboratory, inventors and entrepreneurs are constantly building the future.

If you are passionate about the intersection of creativity, science, and business, you'll want to explore this. Step inside the workshops of accomplished creators across key industries:
🔬 Biotech & Agriculture
💻 Software & Hardware
🧪 Advanced Materials

Get an inside look at what it truly takes to succeed as both an inventor and an entrepreneur.

👇 Explore the journeys here:
https://pathwaystoinvention.org/

05/07/2026

A gripping legal thriller with a heartbeat. 📽️ I AM JANE DOE follows the fearless mothers fighting for their daughters against the giants of online trafficking.

As a former staffer, I’ve seen the importance of this fight, and I’m so grateful I was able to watch this film to re-energize my desire to fight for what’s right. ⚖️

04/08/2026

03/23/2026

Beyond the "End of Cinema": Navigating the World of Film Bookers 🎥

For many independent filmmakers, the dream of a theatrical release feels increasingly out of reach. Between the "death of cinema" headlines and the complexity of distribution deals, self-releasing can feel like an uphill battle.

The biggest hurdle? Relationships. Most filmmakers simply don't have the capacity or the existing network to negotiate directly with theater operators.

This is where film bookers act as the essential bridge.

In this virtual panel, leading U.S. film bookers discuss the practical strategies for placing independent films in theaters. The panel dives deep into:

🔹 How to identify the best venues for your specific project.
🔹 What factors theater owners prioritize when considering an indie booking.
🔹 How a booker acts as a broker to fill the gap in your release strategy.

Whether you are planning a theatrical roadshow or exploring direct distribution, this session is a must-watch to help you determine if working with a booker is the right move for your film.

Watch the full discussion here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsyEerMzDjg

02/17/2026

Frederick Wiseman didn’t just make films; he built archives of the human soul. For over six decades, his lens turned institutions—hospitals, schools, police departments, and cities—into living, breathing characters.

He taught us that if you look long enough and closely enough, the “ordinary” becomes extraordinary. He never told us what to think; he simply gave us the gift of seeing clearly.

Rest in peace to a titan of cinema who proved that the most compelling stories aren’t scripted—they are lived. 🎥🏛️

01/27/2026

Courage isn't the absence of fear; it’s the decision that something else is more important.

I just watched "Mr. Nobody Against Putin," and it’s a stark reminder of what leadership looks like when the odds are stacked entirely against you.

The film follows Boris Nadezhdin—often dismissed as a political outlier—as he navigates the complex, high-stakes environment of Russian opposition. But beyond the geopolitics, this is a deeply human story about:

* The Power of Agency: How one individual can mobilize a movement simply by saying "no" to the status quo.
* Resilience: Managing the psychological and physical toll of dissent.
* Civic Engagement: The vital importance of participation, even when the outcome seems predetermined.

In our professional lives, we often talk about "disruption." This film shows us what true, high-stakes disruption looks like. It’s a powerful watch for anyone interested in political science, leadership under pressure, or the sheer endurance of the human spirit.

12/13/2025

"Ehipassiko" — to come and see.

In Buddhist tradition, the phrase is an invitation to examine the truth for oneself. It is also the fitting title for Nottapon Boonprakob’s powerful documentary, Come and See (2019).

The film offers a rare, unflinching look at one of Thailand’s most polarized events: the conflict between the controversial Wat Phra Dhammakaya temple and the military government. Rather than pushing a single narrative, the documentary provides a unique 360-degree view—interviewing devoted followers, vocal critics, and government officials alike during the tense 2017 temple siege.

After initially facing censorship battles, the film was released to critical acclaim, eventually winning Best Film at the 30th Entertainment Critics Club Awards. It stands as a masterclass in long-form journalism and objective storytelling in the face of political pressure.

If you are interested in the complex intersection of religion, politics, and media, this film is essential viewing.